WOMEN who have experienced domestic abuse across Gateshead and Sunderland are benefiting from a ‘life-changing’ course funded through the Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner’s Supporting Victims Programme.
For the first time, Handcrafted Projects has been commissioned through the programme, receiving £15,000 to deliver its trauma-informed Own My Life course, helping women understand the impact of abuse, regain control of their lives and develop healthy coping mechanisms for the future.
The funding is supporting the delivery of four 12-week courses each year across Handcrafted’s community hubs and hopes to support up to 40 women annually.
The course recognises additional challenges often faced by those who have experienced domestic abuse such as homelessness, poor mental health, substance misuse or involvement with the criminal justice system. National figures show that around 70% of women in prison have experienced domestic abuse, while 72% face homelessness on release.
Alongside the course, women can access wraparound support through Handcrafted’s community hubs, including one-to-one guidance, peer support, housing advice, training opportunities and a broad change of community activities ranging from woodwork to textiles,
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Susan Dungworth recently met a group of women in Sunderland who had completed the course and continue to receive support from Handcrafted Projects.
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Susan Dungworth said:
“The women I met spoke so openly and honestly about their experiences and the difference the Own My Life programme has made to their lives. The course has equipped with the skills and help needed to rebuild their confidence and recognise behaviours that were never acceptable.
“I know recovery is not always easy, but services like this provide survivors with the support, understanding and practical help they need to look to the future with hope and confidence – I saw remarkable women today who were great examples of this.”
Many of the women she spoke to described the programme as “life-changing”, helping them rediscover who they are, regain confidence and feel able to make their own decisions. Many spoke about experiences of coercive and controlling behaviour, including restricted access to money, being cut off from friends and family, having limited access to mobile phones and being prevented from making everyday choices about their lives.
One victim-survivor said:
“It’s not just a workbook or a woodwork session. It’s like a little family there to support you if you need it. You can vent without judgement. The hub provides so many opportunities to learn new skills and have new experiences too.”
Another added:
“I’ve had a bad past life, but I’ve got a good life now. It is like I was a weed, now I am a flower. Handcrafted have helped me from when I first started until now. They go the extra mile. I never had a voice, but now I’ve found my voice and can help other people.”
Handcrafted Projects has years of experience supporting vulnerable women, including those who have spent time in prison. The organisation previously piloted a pioneering partnership with the Women’s Liberation Collective to deliver the Own My Life programme, which has since expanded across its community hubs.
Ruth Crichton, Women’s Work Coordinator at Handcrafted Projects said:
“The Handcrafted Projects team at Sunderland were delighted to welcome the PCC this week. We were keen to show her the various sessions that we run including woodwork, cooking and craft, and in particular share our work with women who have experienced domestic abuse and have benefitted significantly from attendance at the Own My Life courses. This course is a 12-week programme to empower women to take back ownership of their lives following the trauma of abuse and is part of the holistic approach that Handcrafted takes in working with all the people that engage with our charity. We are incredibly grateful for the funding that we have received from the PCC to enable us to continue this work and run additional courses as a result.”
Women can access the programme through referral partners including Probation, Changing Lives and local housing teams, while self-referral is also available through Handcrafted’s open-door community hubs, helping to reduce barriers to support and ensuring help is available when it is needed most.
The investment forms part of the PCC’s ongoing commitment to supporting victims and survivors, ensuring specialist services are available to help people recover from the impact of crime and rebuild their lives.
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